A new swarm of locusts reached Eilat this morning, covering sidewalks, streets, beaches, gardens and parks. Some locusts entered peoples' homes. Larger swarms are traveling toward the central Negev and Arava. The Ministry of Agriculture's plant protection service continued aerial pesticide spraying missions today in these areas. The missions are expected to continue tomorrow, as well. Tractors are also spraying affected areas from the ground.
Plant protection service director Eldad Landes told "Globes" that spraying missions were carried out this morning in Eilat, Grofit and Yahel. Locusts were spotted in the Sdom area, but spraying was not necessary.
Landes said, "At this time, we know that locust swarms are still heading at an intensified rate toward Eilat, and will move northward toward the central Negev and Arava. However, the weather is expected to favor us. Tomorrow's forecast is for cold air to enter the area, and swarms will not head in our direction under these conditions."
The spraying is intended to destroy the locust swarms arriving in Israel before they can multiply.
Ministry of Agriculture director general Yossi Yishai told "Globes", "There has not yet been any damage to agriculture. We are monitoring and locating locust swarms, and we'll continue spraying wherever a swarm lands."
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on November 21, 2004